Strategic Tech Integration In Learning

In the present era, children and technology are inseparable. However, even when using digital devices to acquire knowledge, children find it difficult to employ the skills learned via the devices into their everyday lives.

For instance, in a recent study, it was proven that children who learned to complete puzzles from the software were unable to perform well at completing puzzles using physical pieces. Nevertheless, when a human demonstrated the task, the children could successfully complete the puzzles.

Researches on how technology impacts learning have been going on since the last decade. Based on these researches, educators are further informed on the best strategies they could incorporate as a part of their classroom practices.

In this article, we will discuss the 3 practices that teachers can employ in order to use research-informed strategies while selecting and integrating tools into learning.

1.     Make Sure Technology Adds Value To The Lesson

No matter what form of technology you use, it becomes effective only when it adds value to the lesson and enhances learning in ways it could have been nearly impossible without technology. For example, there are various support tools that help in differentiation or breaking down of complex concepts into simple modules easy to understand.

Teachers can make sure that the technology integration they use adds value by cross-checking whether the applications enable students to elicit higher-level thinking. Additionally, teachers can also evoke higher level thinking by integrating instructional strategies such as asking probing questions, using graphic organizers and visible thinking routines when using technology.

Some tools you could use to adopt this practice include ‘CueThink’, and ‘Audacity’.

2.     Making Learning Social

Schools around the world are now inching toward a one-to-one device experience. However, it is important that the social aspect of learning is kept alive even when students have a personal device.

Find digital tools which allow for two-way conversation among students about what they are doing and learning. A few applications that allow feedback and synchronous collaboration include ‘Scratchwork', and ‘Collabrify Suite'. Both the tools aid teachers in work together on editing and providing feedback on documents in real time.

Additionally, teachers can also employ strategies for social learning such as share aloud, turn and talks, and think/pair/share by partnering students when students are working on devices.

3.     Make The Learning Experience Feel Authentic

The process of learning works well and brings in greater rewards when performed in real-world like environment. Therefore, looking for technology that bridges the gap between school learning and student’s everyday life will make the whole learning experience appear more authentic.

Real-world learning with technology can be brought into classrooms via applications that help students to learn with people outside the class. ‘iNaturalist' and ‘GooseChase' are two great examples of such technology where the first inspires the students to explore biological species in their surroundings and share their finding with the world around, while the latter allows for field-based activities to acquire knowledge.

To take this practice a bit forward, teachers can partner with expert organizations to come up with classroom and project-based learning activities. Setting up a pen-pal program and bringing in experts to speak on different topics are two such good practices.